Self Checkout is usually facilitated by stand-alone units which allow patrons to access their library accounts for the purpose of borrowing items without staff assistance. Typically, the self checkout process involves (1) scanning the library card, (2) scanning the items to be borrowed, and (3) ending the transaction (with the option to generate a receipt).

The first self checkout units relied on reading barcoded cards and items using a stationary laser line. More recent units utilize Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) on cards and items, removing the difficulty of finding and properly aligning barcodes.